The St. Stanislaus Kostka Community Remembers John and Miriam Wazeter

 

John and Miriam Wazeter were a dynamic duo and our favorite companions for wining and dining.  John passed away on January 15, 2021 after a very challenging illness.  Throughout its course he persevered in doing the things he loved to do, most notably climbing the stairs to the St. Matthew's choir loft, sometimes with Miriam's assistance, to sing baritone (or tenor, if he was really begged.)

Miriam was a force in her own right, juggling her career in fundraising, her roles as a mother and the most supportive of wives to John.  During the 20-something years of our acquaintance she negotiated her second bout with cancer with courage, grace and humor.

After John's passing she moved to California to be close to her daughter, Tanya, and her family.  I was saddened to learn that she, too, had passed on February 13, 2025.

Even though they have already received fitting tributes in print, I will amplify them with reminiscences from the St. Stanislaus perspective.

Landmark Status of Tuckahoe's Ward House Revoked on the Basis of Whopping Technicality

I first posted about the Ward House on January 14th.  At that time, a permit for interior demolition was issued for the property despite landmark status conferred by the Village of Tuckahoe.  The landmark statute requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before any work is undertaken, yet the Village issued the permit.

Today's news item, courtesy of News 12 Connecticut, reveals that more than 1 qualification for landmarking were not met when the status was conferred.  The most significant of these was that the application must be submitted by the Village or the owner.

Friends of the Ward House are optimistic about saving the day.  According to the News 12 report,  "In a statement from Friends of the Ward House, Westchester County and Tuckahoe officials are now working to buy the property and that a letter of intent has been signed."

More about Ward House and its Friends HERE.  

For those that think I lack self-control please note that I did not comment on the name of the owner's firm, Biggest Fish, LLC.

Attorney General Letitia James to Hold Public Hearing on Preston High School Closure

The hearing will take place on Tuesday, April 8th from 5 PM-8PM at Lehman High School and will also be livestreamed on the Attorney General's web page.

The school was set to close when its bid to purchase the property from its owners, the Sisters of Divine Compassion, failed.  From the Sisters' perspective the school is no longer financially viable, but many beg to differ.  Apparently the Sisters rejected other offers, including one from Bally's Foundation North America, which planned to lease the property back to Preston for $1.00/year.

Maybe it is time for some regulatory exploration of the closing of All Hallows, as well.

Read all about it in Emily Swanson's piece in The Bronx Times.

Laetare Sunday at St. Mary's

 

Today, on Laetare Sunday, Father likened the day to Gaudete Sunday in Advent; a day when we lighten up because a saving miracle is close at hand.  I am constantly trying to analyze why worshipping at St. Mary's is different from a lot of Masses I have attended at other churches.  Every Sunday I come across something to add to my list.  Today I think it lies in the physicality and the impact on the senses.  The statue of Christ on the cross is in the front, to the right of the altar, and illuminated with black light.  It is very immediate and striking.  Many people who enter through the side door will kneel before it.  On Good Friday there will be a Passion Play and procession, giving parishioners the chance to literally fill the sandals of the apostles and accompany Christ to his surrender to His Father's will.  The rest of us, in our regular identities, will accompany Jesus as well.  Always something to convey the wonder of the Incarnation in this parish.

Lenten Retreat at St. Mary's After Mass Tomorrow

 

Change.org petition started to support NYC landmark status for Transfiguration in Maspeth

 

You can sign petition HERE.

Good Friday Passion and Procession Planned for St. Mary's

 

On Good Friday the parishioners of St. Mary's will accompany Jesus on His via dolorosa through the streets of Yonkers. The service will begin at 3:00 PM in the Church of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 103 South Broadway, Yonkers, NY.

Yonkers Times on Tomorrow's St. Mary's Update Zoom

Read all about it! What is the Future of St. Mary’s Church in Yonkers?

Third Sunday of Lent at St. Mary's

 

Today Father Anthony reassured us that we still have time left in Lent to repent of our sins and become closer to God.  One of the things that I like about this Mass is Father Anthony's accentuation of the positive.  He really behaves like a father to the community, giving gentle correction with affection and affirmation.  While Father McCarthy was a more than worthy sub, Father Anthony gives something extra to us in the course of the special blessings and acknowledgments at the end of Mass.

I am grateful to have been led here and to the people who welcome me and put so much heart and attention into their ministries.  They are an inspiring example.

Also, I love that altar cloth!